The delivery was suspended by France after coming under intense pressure from its allies to suspend the sale because of tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is accused of supplying pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine with manpower and weapons.
After meeting Czech counterpart Bohuslav Sobotka, Valls said through an interpreter Monday: "We have interrupted the delivery for diplomatic reasons."
Valls says the issue wasn't likely discussed by President Francois Hollande during Saturday's impromptu meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow but that France's "goal and priority is a long-term political solution" of the Ukraine crisis.
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